Homeowners: How to Get Ready for an Open House
- Patriot Real Properties
- May 31
- 3 min read
By: Ashley Taylor, Licensed NYS Real Estate Agent
Patriot Real Properties
Preparing your home for an open house is one of the most important steps in the selling process. A successful open house isn’t just about opening the doors to potential buyers, it’s about showcasing your home in its best light, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and making a lasting impression that leads to offers.
Here’s a proven approach that I use with my clients to get their homes ready, attract serious buyers, and make the open house a success.
Start with the Right Preparation
Before the first flyer goes out or the first visitor steps through the door, it’s essential to have the right groundwork in place. A signed listing agreement and both seller and broker approval for the open house date are necessary. Every detail of the property should be reviewed: features, disclosures, and anticipated questions from buyers should all be prepared in advance.
Make the Home Stand Out
A clean, organized home is key to attracting buyers. In the weeks or days leading up to the open house, homeowners should:
Clean thoroughly and remove clutter
Store away personal photos, cultural and religious decor, and pet-related items to create a neutral space
Schedule professional photos and drone footage to capture the home’s best angles (all marketing materials should be reviewed and approved before they’re shared)
Select a high-traffic time for the open house, such as Saturday or Sunday between 12–2 p.m. or 1–3 p.m.
Marketing That Works
Marketing plays a huge role in a successful open house. Once the home is prepped, the marketing plan should include:
Posting the open house on the MLS and key real estate platforms
Sharing professional social media posts with high-quality images
Designing and distributing branded flyers in the surrounding neighborhood
Planning and placing directional signs to guide visitors to the home
Adding extra touches such as balloons or other attention-grabbers on the day of the event
Every piece of marketing should be approved and designed to show the home at its best.
Executing the Open House
On the day of the open house, everything needs to be smooth and professional. Arrive early to set up signs, arrange the welcome table with sign-in sheets, flyers, and business cards. Be prepared to:
Greet guests and provide a brief tour that highlights the home’s best features
Answer buyer questions clearly and confidently
Collect contact information for follow-up
Provide copies of disclosures, feature sheets, and information about future open houses if scheduled
It’s also important to ensure coordination if other agents are involved and to secure any necessary documents for the day.
Follow-Up and Feedback
After the open house, it’s essential to follow up with every guest within 24 to 48 hours. This means thanking them for visiting, answering any lingering questions, and offering private showings if they express interest. Sellers will receive a full report summarizing feedback from attendees and recommendations for next steps.
A Trusted Partner in the Process
As a licensed real estate agent with Patriot Real Properties, I’m committed to guiding homeowners through every step of preparing for and executing an open house. From planning and marketing to day-of coordination and follow-up, I ensure that your property is presented in the best possible way.
If you’re thinking about selling your home and want to prepare for an open house that gets results, contact me. I’m ready to help make your home the one buyers remember.
Ashley Taylor
Licensed NYS Real Estate Agent
Patriot Real Properties
Phone: 631.339.3663
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